Freelancer Networking 101: How to Build Your Tribe Online

Networking Being a full-time freelancer can be stressful and at times, frustrating. You’re always wondering where your next job’s going to come from. Full-time freelancers need to make sure their paychecks cover their bills, all without the security of a guaranteed salary! Within the United States alone, 35% of Americans did freelance work in 2018. That’s a whole load of competition and work to be bidding for. But content creators need to stick together, which is why we’ve assembled this networking 101 lesson for freelancers. Keep reading for some great freelance networking advice you absolutely need to know. The Basis Of Good Networking The basis of networking 101 is simple. The number one rule is buying into the concept of reciprocity. Before you dive headfirst into the world of networking, you need to change your mindset. Be willing to give good leads to others without expecting anything in return. The principle of networking says this will come back to you. So change your mindset and you’re already halfway to successful networking. So, Where Do You Start? First things first: you need to have an online portfolio or showcase you can share with your potential network and customers. When you introduce yourself, people are going to want to see what it is that you can do. Next, spend some time on social media. Join LinkedIn and set up a detailed profile, search for freelancing groups on LinkedIn and Facebook, and send out those join requests! Remember to read carefully through any group or community rules. Don’t be that guy who’s unkind and does whatever he pleases. If the group rules say no advertising, then don’t do it. Focus on building yourself a positive profile and reputation. Remember though, there are so many facets to think about as a full-time freelancer, from hours on a project, to how to bill your clients, being a 1099 employee, and managing your time. So allocate the right amount of time per week to your networking venture. Freelancer Networking 101: Attend Those Events The most traditional method of networking is the actual events that happen in and around your area. Local events are often the ones that provide you with the opportunity for fast, rapid growth in your freelancing career. Depending on the goals you want to achieve, you’ll want to look into the purpose of an event before you consider attending. Some are simply to meet likeminded people, while others open up the floor for people to introduce themselves and showcase their services. Remember that age-old saying? It’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know. Networking is a perfect example of this. Joe, the plumber you met at that local networking event? Well, his uncle’s starting a video production company. And while he has a logo already, he’s looking for someone to take his brand to the next level for its launch. So Joe gives Uncle Bob your contact details and the rest is history. That’s what networking can do for […]

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Get That Coin Sis: Your Complete Guide on How to Get Paid as a Freelancer

In 2019, 5.7 million Americans in the United States were freelancing full-time. This number grows each year and freelancers now make 35% of the U.S. workforce. The number of freelancers in the world is even higher, which calls for easy, fast, and affordable payment methods. If you’re just starting out in freelancing, you need to research the payment methods available to you. This will help you get paid faster, avoid high fees, and keep your clients happy. Keep reading to learn how to get paid as a freelancer, find the best option for your business, and be your own boss. Electronic Funds Transfer This is one of the easiest and most affordable freelance payment methods for both parties. The client transfers the money directly to the freelancer’s bank account electronically, so there are no intermediaries or software taking a cut. The transfer usually takes 2-5 business days, after which you can use or withdraw the money immediately. For this method to work, you should talk to your bank and make sure they can accommodate these transfers. PayPal is the most popular method for receiving freelance payments because it’s fast, easy, and free to set up. However, it has its drawbacks in the form of high fees, freezing funds, and limited availability. Before you start using PayPal for freelance work, make sure to understand how it works as well as the annual fees involved. Use a pay stub maker to create paystubs for yourself so you keep track of your finances at all times. Xoom (A PayPal Product) Xoom is an online payment processing system created by PayPal that lets you receive money from clients in minutes. It works similarly to remote money transfer companies and you can receive the money in your bank account, pick them up in cash at partner locations, or have them delivered to your door. It usually takes 2-3 business days for the money to arrive and the fees are manageable, making Xoom one of the best upcoming freelancer payment options. Payoneer is the best payment method for freelancers from countries where PayPal is not available. The payment processing period is quicker than PayPal and the transaction and currency exchange fees are lower. You can receive money in multiple currencies and transfer them directly to your bank account. You also get a Payoneer card that you can use as a regular debit card to make purchases. TransferWise is an online payment system that companies use to pay freelancers globally. The money travels from one account to the other, so there are no border-crossing fees. On the other hand, TransferWise only transfers money in your country’s official currency, and the exchange rate fees are mandatory. Processing times vary depending on your country, but it typically takes 3-5 days to complete a transaction. Now You Know How to Get Paid as a Freelancer Now that you know how to get paid as a freelancer, it’s time to up your game and start making money! Before you start […]

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4 common uses of co-working spaces

Co-working spaces are growing in popularity. They are seen now as the norm. Companies such as GoFloaters are meeting the demand for this new way of working. There are so many different uses for shared space, and a wide range of individuals and businesses use them. Four of the primary users of a co-working space are freelancers, remote workers who travel, startups, and students. Below is some information on how these four types of people and businesses are using and utilizing shared office spaces. Freelancers As freelancers do not work for a company and work entirely for themselves, shared working spaces are an ideal solution. It can be difficult for a freelancer to work at home. Perhaps, it is too noisy, or they do not have the right furniture or lighting to work correctly. They could also try a coffee shop; however, they are generally loud and distracting. Co-working spaces offer a more conventional setting for a freelancer to get his work completed with no annoyances. Many freelancers are taking advantage of companies such as GoFloaters to find the perfect space to meet their needs. Remote Workers Who Travel There has been an enormous increase in remote workers, the other name for whom is ‘nomad’ workers . These individuals can be involved in any amount of industries such as teaching online, digital marketing, virtual help, online coaching, and so much more. They are people who work so they can travel and move around when they want. Shared working space in the area they are visiting next will be hugely advantageous for them. It’s difficult to find it, however, if you don’t have help. Using coworking space sites takes the hassle out of the process for the digital nomad. There are many such co-working space sites out there, depending on the destination. However, for example, GoFloaters caters to people living in different areas of India. Startups It can be so difficult trying to set up your own business. You will be concerned about the amount of expenses that build up and no cash flow coming in. Startups have been utilizing shared working spaces for this very reason. Renting out an entire office when it may only be you and a few more staff, is impractical and very costly. Another advantage for a startup to use a co-working space is the lack of commitment required as you would not have to sign a several years lease (which is common). Sites such as GoFloaters require a month-to-month payment, which would be very beneficial for a company with financial restrictions. It is also a great place to network, have a healthy work environment, and meet interesting and skilled people. Students You may think it is only working professionals who reap the benefits of a shared spaced office. Individuals in third-level education or adult students can also find it helpful. A student who is finding it very difficult to study due to a lot of distractions will find coworking spaces to be excellent. They […]

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Why You Don’t Need Passion to Start Freelancing

Struggling to pick a vocation? Here’s why passion is irrelevant when starting your freelance business, and what to focus on instead. The saying goes, “Follow your passion. Passion will set you free.” I call bullshit. Passion is great. But it can also leave your spinning your wheels and jumping from one area of interest to another. To succeed as a freelancer, you need to build a set of skills that will help you attract clients and projects you love. Passion will come about organically. Here’s why. Choosing the right field can be challenging. Log onto Instagram, and you’ll probably come across a photo of the ocean from your favorite travel blogger’s Airbnb view in Maui. Meanwhile, you’re staring at the dregs of autumn and yesterday’s coffee, and it makes you wonder what your passion is. You don’t know the exact answer, but it sure doesn’t look like this. Besides, Maui is beautiful this time of year. That’s where Mary finds herself on a grey Thursday afternoon. We’re sitting at a low-traffic coffeeshop talking about networking when Mary leans over and asks, “What are you passionate about? Would you rather do marketing or go off and do something else more fun, like tours in wine country?” I pause, midstory. “Wine tastings would be fun, and I love to travel, but I’m sure there are people with way more experience than me doing that,” I answer. “Besides, I’m good at digital marketing.” She leans back. Her eyes twinkle as she confesses, “I’m trying to figure out what I’m passionate about.” She goes on: “I’m a curious person. I like to try things out. So I tried sales, and I was good at that. Customer research, advertising — good at that, too. And this week, going through a whole bunch of life stuff, I’m stuck. I wanna find what I’m passionate about.” We stare at each other. I can relate. Mary assumes that if she can nail down her passion, she can create a business that aligns with what she loves. She’s hoping that her passion will give her an edge as she builds the business of her dreams. It’s a question that almost drove me mad in trying to answer it. “I think you should be asking a different question, then,” I respond. If you, like Mary, are stuck on the passion train, jump off before you hit a wall. Focusing on passion puts the cart before the horse. I liken it to asking the universe to tell you what you should be doing — before you’ve built the skills and experience necessary to do it. You want to jump into something that feels exciting — but you also want to be sure before you leap. So, you sit and stew on questions like: “What’s my meaning?” “What’s my purpose?” “What’s my calling?” These types of questions lead you to analysis paralysis. The reality is passion comes from doing, not from a strike of lightning when you are sitting on the […]

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Ask a Trainer: How Can I Move Into Freelancing?

Tim, I’ve been working as an e-learning specialist for the past few years and I love it! During this time, I’ve realized that I have a true talent and passion for e-learning design and development, and it’s something I know I’d like to pursue long-term. As I’ve been following you and a few others online, I’ve also discovered that there’s a pretty lively community of folks who freelance as e-learning designers full time. I guess I never considered freelancing as a viable option, but it seems I might have been wrong. As a result, I’m now considering what my future career might look like and whether or not I can make the leap into freelancing. I’m curious what tips you can offer for someone, like me, who is looking to eventually make the transition into freelancing but has no idea where to begin. Well, first, let me say how happy I am that you’ve discovered what your passion is and that I and others have inspired you to consider a future in freelancing. I’ll be honest when I say that making the leap into freelancing is exciting and nerve-wracking. And trust me, it really hits home when you get that last paycheck from your full-time job and realize that you’re now 100 percent dependent upon yourself. However, there’s also an incredible sense of freedom knowing that you can do whatever you want. So, while I could write an entire book on making the transition in freelancing, here are some of my top tips. Tip #1: Let It Be Known For you to make the transition into freelancing, even if you’re just starting it as a side hustle, you need to let the world know. This includes your network, your colleagues, and your current employer. I say this for two reasons. First, you’ll never find clients if they don’t know you’re willing to take them. And second, you want to control the narrative to your employer about what you’re doing during your nights and weekends. To do this, create an online portfolio and share your work or consider starting a blog. Participate in online communities and LinkedIn. The more you put yourself out there, the more attention you’ll get, and you’ll eventually get contacted for work. Advertisement Tip #2: Start Small There are a lot of ways you can make the transition into freelancing, but the one way you shouldn’t do it is by immediately quitting your full-time job. You should plan to start small and work your way toward eventually taking your side hustle full-time. What does this look like? Well, pick up one or two clients during your nights and weekends—something you can easily manage between your full-time job and your life. Use these side projects to build your client base, credibility, and savings. It’ll also help you learn the ropes about the freelancing world. Once you’re ready to go full time, you’ll know it. Tip #3: Plan for the Long-Term Jumping off from tip number two, while […]

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How SMBs can build an effective team with freelancers

Most leaders of small and mid-sized businesses would agree that people are the backbone of their businesses. But how can they build effective and complementary teams that play to each other’s strengths and lifts their business up? Mathias Linnemann, co-founder of talent matchmaker Worksome, elaborates on how to build ‘super teams.’ One of the problems that small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) face in putting together super teams is the talent shortage. According to Manpower research, 45% of mid-sized organisations report that they are struggling to attract the right skills to their business, while the same is true for 23% of small businesses. IT is, not surprisingly, the most in-demand skill-set across industries. And the need for IT skills is not decreasing any time soon. A Future of Work report by the Consumer Technology Association revealed that 92% of employers said they will need more employees with technical skills in the future. Adding to that, companies fear that the talent shortage problem will only get worse once – or if – Brexit is finalised. But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Because while there is a talent shortage in the traditional workforce, the flexible workforce, consisting of freelancers, independent consultants, and contractors, is booming. And it’s ripe with talent. The UK has over 2 million freelancers and the number will, on the back of the gig- and on-demand economy, continue to rise in the coming years. There’s no talent shortage in the freelance economy Since 2009, the freelance economy in the UK has grown by 25% and generates an estimated £109 billion a year. And according to the Office for National Statistics, flexible workers now account for around 15% of the working population in the UK. These flexible workers work in project-based roles and provide their skills to companies to solve a specific task. They often work on-site and on project teams alongside full-time workers. It’s particularly the highly skilled and well-educated who choose to freelance, according to an IPSE study with freelancers with competencies in IT leading the way. Consequently, more UK employers are sourcing for talent in the flexible workforce. As many as 87% of UK employers intend to increase or maintain their use of freelancers in the next three months. At the outset, this may seem just a temporary solution until a permanent position can be filled. But that’s not quite the case. That is because freelancers are actually a crucial part of any SMB’s super team. Building an effective team Numerous studies have shown that the shift towards using freelancers as a strategic asset can help push companies ahead of the competition. For example, one study revealed that the most successful businesses use flexible workers more often than low performing businesses. And there’s good reasons for doing so. In today’s ever-changing business world, it’s crucial for SMBs to be flexible, agile, and nimble to stay competitive in the face of a turbulent business environment. Utilising freelancers allows a company to scale staff up […]

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Which is the better grammar checker? Grammarly or Hemingway?

To be a successful freelancer, you must run all your text through a grammar check system.

Maybe you earn your living completing webpage designs. Do you still need a grammar checker? If you communicate with your clients through the written word, then yes, you do. You may be losing jobs with your poorly-written proposals. You are being judged for your bad grammar, and this may be affecting your bottom line. 

Perhaps you are a crotchety, old English teacher whose grammar is so impeccable that you even know when to use the word “whom” correctly. You still need a grammar check. Even if your grammar is perfect nearly all the time, a good grammar check will tell you when you are wordy, redundant, or too formal.

Before we dive into the differences between Grammarly and Hemingway, let’s answer another common argument some people may have against using grammar checkers. Some assume that the grammar check offered through Google Docs or Word is good enough to catch most of the errors in your writing. While those programs should find most spelling errors, a good grammar check will do so much more. 

In this article, we will discuss Grammarly. Look for our discussion on Hemingway in our next installment of Freelancing Buzz.

How much does Grammarly cost?

Grammarly offers three plans. The annual program is $11.66 per month, and you are billed a one-time payment of $130.95. The quarterly plan is $19.98 per month, and you are charged $59.95 quarterly. The monthly plan is $29.95 per month. As you can see, it makes the most financial sense to purchase the annual plan if you plan to keep plugging away at your freelancing career for the next year.

How do you use Grammarly?

One of the coolest things about Grammarly is that it is alway lurking quietly in the background, waiting for you to make a significant error. Whether you are writing a casual post on Facebook or a job proposal on Google docs, you will see the green Grammarly wheel continually turning in the lower right-hand corner of your screen. 

Once you are finished with your piece, log into your Grammarly account and watch as the magic happens. 

Grammarly allows you to upload any .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, and .rtf documents. Or you can simply copy the text in your document and paste it into Grammarly. 

So Grammarly can better serve you, you are asked to rate the audience, formality, domain, tone, and intent of the piece of writing. If you are writing a piece of technical writing, Grammarly will asses that style differently than it would a casual essay. 

Once you give Grammarly your parameters, you will see editing suggestions pop up on your document. Keep in mind that Grammarly already caught all your significant errors while you were writing your text. These editing suggestions are meant to fine-tune your piece. 

How does Grammarly make you a better writer?

We would expect that Grammarly would check our punctuation, grammar, and spelling. For the most part, the program accurately catches common errors such as comma splices, errors in subject/verb agreement, and missing articles. 

Your piece goes from good to great when Grammarly suggests using a different word than one you previously used in the preceding paragraph. Grammarly also makes suggestions on how to tighten your writing. It tells writers when they are using overused words. Finally, it also is on a constant look-out for passive voice.

Of course, Grammarly is not right all the time. There are times a writer may choose to use a sentence fragment to emphasize a point. Sometimes Grammarly will not recognize items as a list, and the program will recommend that you add or take out necessary punctuation.

What is a Grammarly score?

As Grammarly is checking your document, it assigns you a score in the upper-right corner. The rating is based on correctness, clarity, engagement, and delivery. Once a week, you also receive an emailed report from Grammarly that rates your writing ability for the week. 

Some users who miss their old English teachers may appreciate receiving a score from the app. This user thinks that the score and weekly email are slightly gimmicky and somewhat useless.

For what it’s worth, the above text was run through Grammarly. It pointed out several instances of passive voice. Grammarly thought the paragraph about pricing was boring. The program also suggested I use a different word than “crotchety.”

Reading this document would take 2 minutes and 50 seconds. Speaking this document out loud would take five minutes and 28 seconds. My word length is 4.7; my sentence length is 14.5; and I received a readability score of 66.

My Grammarly score for the entire piece? Of course, it was 100/100. My crotchety, old English teacher would be so proud. 

This article was originally posted at Freelancing buzz.

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